GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.

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1 Welcome! Lessons and Carols for Christmas December 30, :30 a.m. Christ Lutheran Family of Faith Cottonwood, Minnesota But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2: 10-11) This service of lessons and carols takes its theme from these verses from Luke s gospel, focusing on the ways God comes to us in Jesus as Savior (first set of lessons), Christ (second set of lessons), and Lord (third set of lessons). GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here. Christmas Carol Hymn-Sing Prelude Call to Worship Words of Welcome L: This is the day that the Lord has made, C: let us rejoice and be glad in it. Community Announcements and Opportunities to Offer Ourselves Please stand as you are able.

2 L: The angel said to the shepherds, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11) As we gather we hear again the good news the angels proclaimed: God has come for all people through the birth of the one named Jesus. Through Bethlehem s manger God comes into the chaos, messiness, and vulnerability of the world. In all things and at all times, we rejoice that God comes to save us and reigns in love. We come to adore Jesus who is Savior, Christ, and Lord. Confession and Forgiveness L: Amid the troubles and fears of this world, let us confess our sin and welcome God s forgiveness, grace, and love. Silence is kept for reflection. L: Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus. C: Forgive our lack of faith and trust. L: Your Son was born in the poverty of a stable. C: Forgive our neglect of the poor. L: The shepherds left their flocks and went to Bethlehem. C: Forgive our selfishness and complacency. L: With great joy the angels proclaimed, Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy. Today is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In + Jesus, who is Savior, Christ, and Lord, our sins are forgiven. May you know the peace which the angels sang from the heavens. Indeed, God s forgiveness is good news of great joy! C: Amen. Gathering Carol The Bells of Christmas [298] (stanzas 1-4) Greeting L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who is Savior and Lord, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: Amen. Prayer of the Day L: Let us pray. C: Eternal Father, you gave your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be a sign of our salvation. Plant in every heart the love of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please be seated. -2-

3 Psalm 8 (Read responsively by whole verse) O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! you whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of infants and children; you have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, what are mere mortals that you should be mindful of them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you have made them little less than divine; with glory and honor you crown them. You have made them rule over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet: all flocks and cattle, even the wild beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the sea. O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! For unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Lesson: Isaiah 12: Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the L"#$ G"$ is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the L"#$, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing praises to the L"#$, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Carol Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord. Lesson: Matthew 1: Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, -3-

4 son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Reflection Carol: A Song for Joseph (Tune: Away in a Manger) To Joseph an angel appeared in a dream Do not be afraid for it s not as it seems The child Mary carries is sent from above The work of God s Spirit a gift of God s love. So Joseph, believing, took Mary, his wife. And cared for her, loved her, the rest of his life. And when that day came when young Mary gave birth He named the child Jesus, our God come to earth. O God of surprises, O God of great love We praise you for this wondrous gift from above, For in the child Jesus you entered our pain That through him, our Savior, true life we would gain. Dear Father in heaven, O help us we pray Like Joseph, to trust and believe what you say That in us, and through us, your will may be done So all in this world will rejoice in your Son. (Text: Pastor Dave Nelson, Annandale, MN) For unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-3, 11 1 The spirit of the Lord G"$ is upon me, because the L"#$ has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the L"#$, to display his glory. 11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord G"$ will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Carol Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord. -4-

5 Lesson: John 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. Reflection Carol: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice [288] For unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Lesson: Isaiah 6: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another and said: Holy, holy, holy is the L"#$ of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. 5 And I said: Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the L"#$ of hosts! 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out. 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me! Carol Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord. -5-

6 Lesson: Luke 1: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. 34 Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I am a virgin? 35 The angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. Reflection Carol: What Child Is This [296] Please stand as you are able. Profession of Faith (The Nicene Creed is found inside the back cover of the hymnal.) Sharing of God s Peace L: The peace of the Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you all. C: And also with you. Please share a sign of God s peace with your neighbors. Please be seated. Offering Please stand as you are able. Offertory Carol In the Bleak Midwinter [294] (stanza 3) What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him give my heart. Offertory Prayer A: Let us pray. Holy God, your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love flows from the cross. As you gather us your love binds us together. Warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus name we pray. C: Amen. -6-

7 Prayers of God s People The congregation will respond to the prayer petitions with, hear our prayer. Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Blessing L: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, and the everlasting peace of Jesus who is Savior, Christ, and Lord. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen. Sending Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing [270] A: Go in peace. Serve our Savior, Christ, and Lord. C: Thanks be to God! Postlude Children of all ages are invited to come forward and choose an instrument to play around the altar rail during the Postlude music. The Christmas Spirit The Christmas spirit is that hope which tenaciously clings to the hearts of the faithful and announces in the face of any Herod the world can produce and all the inn doors slammed in our faces and all the dark nights of our souls that with God all things are still possible, that even now unto us a Child is born! (Kneeling in Bethlehem, by Ann Weems) -7-

8 With deep gratitude, we are pleased to accept the gift of a beautiful poinsettia tree from Julie Jaeger in memory of her family: Husband Bob Jaeger Grandson Benjamin Noon Daughter and Son-in-law Robert and Steve Packard Daughter MerryBeth Jaeger Schmidt Thank You For Serving This Sunday, December 30 Ushers: Dean Berg, Sandy Boehne, Claire Erickson, Kathie Erickson, Kris Holm, Jon Myrvik Musician: Gwen Arneson Acolyte: Landon Albertson PA: Jonathan Olson Lector and Assisting Minister: Jody Mohr Video Camera: Gary Morken Altar Care: Barb Crouse, Anne Isaackson JOIN THE TEAM ** ALTAR CARE TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED ** We are looking for more individuals, women, men, and families to add to our list of Altar Care Team members. The responsibilities include obtaining and placement of the altar flowers for Sunday worship and other events, as well as changing the paraments on the altars, lectern, and pulpit when the seasons of the church year changes. You would be assigned with someone else for one month of the year. We can pair you with an experienced member of the team. There are written guidelines for the tasks to be done. Consider what a great ministry this would be for you and your family to serve and help our congregation. If you want to join the Altar Care Team or have questions, contact Barb Crouse, , or Anne Isaackson, An invitation from Pastor Janel (PJ): If you are interested in church membership or know someone interested, please call PJ at the church office or her cell phone is: pstrjanel@gmail.com -8-

9 This Week: December 30, 2018 Today, Sunday, December 30 9 am Fellowship/Refreshments NO Sunday School 9:30 Worship 10:45 (approx.) Worship on Cable 180 Monday, December 31 5 pm Worship on Cable 180 Wednesday, January 2, :30 pm Choir Next Sunday, January 6, am Fellowship/Refreshments 9:00 Preschool Sunday School 9:30 Worship with Holy Communion 10:45 (approx.) Worship on Cable 180 NO other Wednesday Night Events Thank you, friends in Christ, for your generous financial offerings for our congregation s General Fund. We are grateful for and appreciate your support for the many ways our congregation reflects God s light within our building and out into the community and world. As this calendar year comes to a close, we still find ourselves behind financially. Would you prayerfully consider making an additional offering gift by December 31, 2018? If online giving is more convenient for you, simply go to and make a one-time gift, or set up a regular tithe or offering from your personal banking account. It is a joy to walk together in faith. Financial Snapshot Giving Year To Date (Jan-Nov) $170,393 Expenses Year To Date (Jan-Nov) $178,743 Shortfall Year to Date -$8,350 Needed Weekly To Make Budget $3,896 Last Week s Giving December 23 $2,406-9-

10 Prayer Requests The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 to, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Your prayers are a gift to those requesting them, and encouragement for one another as we experience challenges, sorrows, or thanksgivings of any kind. Health Concerns, as well as Others In Our Hearts and On Our Minds: Craig Ahmann Bob Bode Mark Bode Elaine Elston Adela Espinoza Norm Evers Sue Gropel Gordy Geistfeld Jon Hakes Virginia Isaackson Pr. Curt Miller Gretchen Noon Rodney Olson Gary Timmerman Joyce Warnke All those dealing with illness, addictions, depression, unemployment, underemployment, and any challenges in their lives. Families of our Congregation. Pray for Chad and Julie Gregoire, Evan Dominick and Mallory Gregoire, Dixon, Ivy Independent living/assisted Living/Care Center Residents. Pray for Shi Aamodt, Irene Evers, LaVonne Fischer, Janet Gniffke, Julie Jaeger, Marietta Jarcho, Lila Mauland, Donna Neuharth, Bobby Olson, Alnora Pederson, Milton Rebers, Ruth Stensrud, Louis Wood Deaths: Family of Neil Danielson, Rob s father. Pray for Rob, Shelly, and Families Family of Mary (VanUden) Bump, Denny (Linda) VanUden s sister. Pray for the VanUden Families Christ Lutheran Church Location: 126 Front Street (corner of Front and North First on the lake) mailing address: P.O. Box 166, Cottonwood, Minnesota Office Phone and Voice Mail: Find us on Facebook: Christ Lutheran Church Cottonwood MN Pastor Janel Kuester ; cell ; pstrjanel@gmail.com Pastoral Asst. Gwen Arneson ; cell ; gwenarneson@yahoo.com Organist Gwen Arneson See Pastoral Assistant above Administrative Asst. Rhoda Schmidt ; cell ; christlutheran@christcotton.com Accounting Asst. Melanie Olsen cell ; melanie.olsen@usbank.com Custodians Jon & Jeannette Myrvik cell ; ; jeannette.myrvik@schwans.com jjmyrvik@charter.net -10-